Scudamore denies PFA 'myths'

Premier League chief Richard Scudamore has defended his #10million-a-year offer to the players' union, insisting they spent only a tiny fraction of that on ex-players last year - and has threatened to sue if top stars strike....

Premier League chief Richard Scudamore has defended his #10million-a-year offer to the players' union, insisting they spent only a tiny fraction of that on ex-players last year - and has threatened to sue if top stars strike.

Scudamore, the Premier League's chief executive, claims the Professional Footballers' Association spent just #766,000 on helping former players last year.

And he believes the #30million three-year package offered to the PFA is "very reasonable" to meet their needs.

"The PFA spent #766,000 on welfare last year, looking after ex-players and hardship cases. Two years ago they spent #445,000 on welfare," he said. "You would think this whole issue was about a lot more.

"The clubs are absolutely clear that they think the offer to pay the PFA #30million over the next three years to continue and expand the good work they do is very reasonable.

"We think the #30million is adequate to do the work they feel that is right to be done and we feel is right to be done."

But PFA boss Gordon Taylor has dismissed the latest offer and will carry out his threat of balloting players over a possible strike unless the union are given the 5% stake - #25million a year - they believe is due.

Taylor claims that cut is part of a long-standing agreement by which players waive various image rights - but Scudamore has dismissed the argument as a "myth".

"Another myth that needs destroying is that the players, through their union, are bringing something to the table by waiving their right to television revenue and allowing it all to go to the clubs," he said.

"Footballers are not opera singers or pop stars and, when they pull on the jersey, there is no such thing in law as a performance right, so this is another misconception that has been allowed to grow unchecked."

Scudamore also warned the PFA he will not stand by if a strike goes ahead, insisting he will sue to prevent any such action.

"No-one wants to go on strike and I stress it would be as a last resort, but we will take legal action to stop any strike.

"In our opinion it would be illegal for players to go on strike because it's not an industrial issue and they are not in dispute with their employers," he added.